Advanced strategy work that opens your eyes
in terms of your own organization

A substantial opportunity to ensure a holistic solution

This was a substantial opportunity to learn how to develop and activate strategies in a different way, particularly:

• taking into account positions and intentions of stakeholders for the understanding of problems
• changing from a linear to an iterative approach
• involving stakeholders during the entire process to gain their buy-in and support
• revisiting the use of the classic tools, however adding the discursive approach

Overall it is the opportunity to realize the number of different realities which can exist in parallel and which need to be taken into account to ensure a holistic solution.

An effective methodology to develop and implement strategies

The metaplan strategy methodology is effective to develop strategy, with your team, that will be implemented. Engaging the team right from the start on "what could be" and "what should be", helps to build meaningful contribution and alignment. The discursive way to use well known strategy tools e.g. the Balanced Scorecard is by itself educational bringing a new perspective.

Eye-opening and fascinating

The course was eye-opening and fascinating, and completely different than any seminar I've attended in the U.S. Everyone was actively involved and the exercises were the key to bringing theory and ideas together with the practice of strategy development. Focusing on practical questions, using actual case studies of the participants, brought the discussion of theory to life. The Metaplan team itself was stellar. Each instructor was accomplished and experienced.

Working through real life cases made every step relevant for my own strategy work

This was an intensive and highly dynamic seminar with a very diverse global group of participants, in which the different views on strategy became a huge strength, as we had so many perspectives and approaches to share, and could really learn from each other. The excellent facilitators made it possible to really build on discussion points, and the seminar was well-paced throughout the days. Working through real life cases made every step of the strategy development process relevant for my own strategy work. The venue was wonderful, and the quiet and green surroundings allowed private and insightful discussions on strategy. The trip to Paris and learning more about the real challenges executives are facing in strategy development was also an absolute highlight.

An enjoyable departure from PowerPoint.

In contrast to the widespread approach in strategy development – namely, to collect data, analyze it, reach a decision, and then take action – I found it more than enlightening to focus on the actual ideas and then to elaborate them with relevant stakeholders. In this case, it is helpful to deal with the players’ local rationalities beforehand, thus concentrating on what is really doable or can actually be implemented. In my eyes, this is the right approach – not just in terms of strategy work, but in my everyday executive affairs. The total departure from PowerPoint as a tool for conveying information was also refreshing. It helped to initiate a (constructive) discussion and exchange of ideas among the group, even within the first hour of the seminar. These were intense, instructive, and perfectly organized days, spent with very interesting people.

Methods and discussions on a very high level.

The Metaplan seminar was a crash course in strategy and organizational theory and practice. The discursive approach, the teaching methods, and the group discussions were on an extremely high level. I received a lot of help with my case, which alone was worth investing the time. The material that we were given afterwards has also been useful. The Metaplan seminar was one of the best that I have attended in my whole career – compact and focused.